
A Chapter of the New River
Historical Society
Incorporated 1966
Dr. John Blair Radford
1813-1872
The City of Radford, Virginia was named for this
popular physician. He was born in Bedford County,
Virginia, however, after attending the University
of Virginia and the School of Medicine of the
University of Pennsylvania he came to the New
River area to work.  Several years after
Dr. Radford married Elizabeth Campbell Taylor of
Pulaski County, Virginia, they purchased from her
father 100 acres of land in what is now the City
of Radford. There in 1840 the Radfords built on a
hill above the New River an impressive brick home
and named it "Arnheim" (pictured at
right). The house still stands today overlooking
the U.S. Route 11 bridge entrance to the city.
In addition to being a practicing physician and
successful farmer, the energetic doctor entered
into a range of other activities. In 1842 he
became the owner for many years of Lovely Mount
Tavern located on the heavily traveled Wilderness
Road. For a while he was part owner of the
Alleghaney Springs Turnpike and in 1860 he
invested in the popular Yellow Sulphur Springs
resort. Just before his death, he was elected
president of an emerging railroad. It is thought
by many that it was his generous nature as a
private banker that led to the city being named
for him.
Dr. and Mrs. Radford and most of their seven
children are buried in the family cemetery
located near their home "Arnheim".
Information for personal use
only. Pages may not be reproduced in whole or
part in any format for distribution or profit
without the express written consent of the
contributor. © 1999 Radford City Historical
Society
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